dgdarien

I have notice one side of a dust cover of my steering rod/inner tie rod is no longer completely covering the inner tie rod. The hole has expanded and is allowing the ball joint to be exposed to the elements. I can see the ball joint and the grease inside of it but I do not notice any leaking power steering fluid.

Can I get by just replacing the dust boot; or is it necessary to replace the inner tie rod as well?

White_EG1

I mean if you're down there you might as well. I know when my boot was ripped the inner was shot too.

When you get to the inner try moving it around if you hold it up and let it go and it immediately drops down or any access play its definitely worn. There's grease right in the joint if that's gone or leaking it's shot.

I have a inner tie rod remover tool from tamboo I wouldn't mind passing on. I'll even ship it your way just let me know!

Oh and I'd pull a new boot from a junkyard car. Auto part stores around here want $34 for just one boot! 2 boots are more than both inners, crazy.

dgdarien

Thanks for your offer, I appreciate it. But I already borrowed a inner tie rod removal tool from Autozone.

I have bought a Moog inner tie rod, and I notice that it is incredibly stiff, I cannot move the ball joint with my hands at all. Is that correct?

I'm not totally sure if I will install it; I will check the old inner tie rod for free play when I'm under the car.

mk378

That is correct, the joints are very stiff when new. They loosen up a little in use, but any tendency to flop around or rattle means that it is shot.

Depending on your model, dealer list on the boots seems to be around $25 each (also note that the right and left ones are likely different). But then the metal clamp band for the inside is sold separately at $15?! I wouldn't mess with used rubber parts regardless.

TomCat39

Damn, I sometimes hate living in Canada. Here in BC for quality inners they are around 94 dollars before tax each one. They have a lifetime warranty unlike the 50 dollar ones which will be shot in a couple of years.

I wish I could get quality inners for under 34 bucks each.

Former User

My recommendation is to buy the Honda boot and to secure it with zip ties.

TomCat39

Would zip ties be preferable over SS hose clamps?

94 Civic Si

Those look like they might be too wide...

MadVladCivic

Buy the dust boot from Majestic or Bernardi along w/ whatever odds n ends you might need for this repair, eg, split pin, castle nut, clip ring, etc.
The metal clamp can be found here for cheap:
https://www.belmetric.com/oetiker-ea...mp-p-1006.html
You can 'close' and lock the clamp using end nip pliers.
I believe the CV68 and/or maybe the CV74 will suffice. The CV56 is too small. Did this repair last yr
and ended up using a zip tie. Still holding but will eventually replace w/ the appropriate size clamp per the above.
You might also want to re-grease the joint of the inner tie rod.

Former User

If they fit, those would be fine too, though installation of zip ties may be easier unless the rack has been removed from the car.

dgdarien

Well I had already purchased a eBay boot with zipties but it seems quite sturdy. Definitely going to be better than the 16 year old broken boot that was being used. I went ahead and replaced the inner tie rod as well, as the ball joint seemed very loose. Getting that large end of the boot to fit onto the rack was quite troublesome, only took about 47 tries.

Former User

The reason I suggested a Honda boot was because I tried a cheap aftermarket one and it developed a tear after about 5K miles. In contrast, the replacement Honda boot has 20K miles on it and is still going strong.

As the Honda boot properly fits the rack, it is also MUCH easier to install.

dgdarien

Oh I see. Well I'll keep an eye on it and if it does tear unexpectedly, I'll replace it with OEM.

TomCat39

The other detail I noted from others with the aftermarket boot versus OEM is the aftermarket is a serious pain to put on as it doesn't fit as well or at all in some cases. The OEM boot is a perfect fit as would be expected so is a simple installation.

dgdarien

If I had known it was going to be this difficult to install the boot, I think I would've definitely bought a OEM one. I've never worked with a brand new OEM boot so I can't compare, but the aftermarket one was a pain to install. The boot's hole seemed a tad on the small size.

Former User

I had the same experience.

MadVladCivic

Ah, Grasshoppa!
For when it absolutely positively has to fit wo/ tearing:
https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-8007.../dp/B000HBM5S2

tony_2018

oem boot covers are ..........16.18 each, left/right. shipping for something that small and light, probably +/- 5 bucks. Thats a win for me.

TomCat39

This might help get the third party boot on but it still won't stop the boot from shredding after only 5000 miles as was experienced.

94 Civic Si

Great link! If you split a boot on your CV shaft/drive axle and catch it in time you can re-boot it and use these clamps.

dgdarien

How often do you guys typically check your boots: steering and CV. Every oil change?

TomCat39

I tend to check them every brake inspection I do, and also anytime I am taking the wheels off (rotation, winter tire change). Or, when I hear clicking.

I guess I unconsciously check when I crawl under for an oil change if I see a split boot......

tony_2018

^^^